From reading the forum I see that unlocked GSM phones can take a SO SIM. I found a BLACKBERRY 7290 GSM 32MB Unlocked for sale. It is wi-fi capable, I believe.

It has “Quad-Band handheld, operates on 850/900/1800/1900 MHz.”

Would I be able to transfer my SO SIM into that Blackberry 7290 and then receive SO features, as well as WI-FI (from open hotspots) on it?

EDIT: Actually, it seems I should shell out for a Blackberry Curve 8900 or Nokia E61 if I want wi-fi browsing capabilities. But you can only buy those unlocked from E-Bay.

Yes, but I think it is probably cheaper and easier to get a refurbished unlocked wi-fi capable Blackberry from Factory Direct than finding an IPhone.

Yes, as far as making/receiving voice calls and SMS text messages. Web surfing only where WiFi exists, i.e. not using the cellphone network.

This is incorrect. I have a BlackBerry 8100 on SpeakOut:

- WAP browsing works using the Blackberry browser.
- Push email works using the Funambol.com open source email app.
- The Weather Network Blackberry app works.
- Laptop tethering works (EDGE)

I couldn't get Opera Mini (4.2 or 5) to run.

If your BlackBerry has a GPS, BlackBerry Mapas will work with the GPS whether you ave any form of data plan or not. The maps for BBerry Maps are stored on your device. You will have to install them via the Desktop Manager from a computer if they aren't preinstalled on your device.

It took several tries to get my 8800 to recognize that it had BlackBerry Maps installed. The program was installed but not accessible. I tried forcing the service books to refresh with no luck. In the end I put a SIM card in from a Rogers phone with a Data Plan, and I'm assuming that the phone downloaded new service books — because several new icons showed up including BBerry Maps. When I put my SO SIM back, the BBerry maps icon was there and it is working fine.

Google maps needs a Data Plan and more than just the WAP browser so the only way they might work on a BBerry on SO is via wifi — which limits the usefulness of a GPS.